STAFF in Virgin Trains ticket offices are being balloted for industrial action by the RMT, as a dispute over the use of new technology hardens. The union is calling for additional pay for staff who are required to operate new ticket machines.

The ballot is now under way and will run until 16 March. Both the RMT and TSSA are in dispute with Virgin over the issue, and some VT stations have already been picketed. However, although the TSSA suspended a series of strikes by its members in mid-February so that discussions could take place, it is not clear if any progress has been made since then.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “All that Virgin ticket office staff want is a fair deal for operating new equipment. Staff are angry at the attempt to slash their numbers and are sick and tired of the staff shortages which lead to longer queues. We share the frustration of passengers who are also victims of Virgin’s penny-pinching.”

Mr Crow added that the RMT remained available for further talks.

Meanwhile, Virgin Trains said it was disappointed that the RMT had decided to ballot its members. 
 
In a statement, it added: ‘The union makes clear that it is seeking additional payments for ticket office staff. Virgin Trains does not make extra payments for using improved equipment that is better for staff and customers, and that has already cost millions of pounds. Only 47 people are involved in the ballot (out of 350 ticket office staff) so any industrial action will have no impact. The company has no plans to cut booking office jobs, and in fact is recruiting to fill vacancies to help serve the increasing numbers of customers.’